Networking will help you grow your business faster by making new connections and collaborating with other ambitious entrepreneurs. It is likely, you have already been to some networking meetings, and you know more or less what they are like and what to expect. Read on to find out more about 7 best networking events' types.
Best Networking Events organised by professional associations
These events are usually organised by professional associations such as a chamber of commerce, and industry organisations, like a technology or engineering institute. They target people working in specific markets, association members, and are designed to allow them to network with others in their industry.
What are the benefits of attending?
- Connecting with people across a specific sector and building a name for yourself in an industry.
- Building relationships with key contacts – many professionals are loyal to their industry associations, so they will attend most organised events.
- Getting referrals for your business – many professionals want their industry to grow, so they will recommend you if they think your business can help someone, and they can’t.
Speed Networking Events
Best described as the business version of speed dating, these events aim to provide a quick way for a small or large group of people to network.
Speed networking usually involves a series of rounds, during which networkers sit in pairs and ask each other questions for a set amount of time. At the end of the round, a bell or buzzer sounds, and they move on to the next person and the process starts again.
What are the benefits of attending?
- Gaining exposure to many professionals in a short space of time.
- Getting straight to the point – you can let people know about your business needs and what you can offer right away.
- Meeting people in a fun, high-energy environment – this can help networkers relax and open up quicker, allowing you to learn more about them.
Conferences
Networking events are often tied to conferences, big and small. Depending on the size of the event you will go to, different opportunities may arise. Networking may be scheduled in breaks between keynote speakers’ presentations or after the conference.
What are the benefits of attending?
- Connecting with a wide range of people – conferences often attract large numbers as they focus on topics that affect multiple sectors.
- Meeting industry experts – they will have given talks and led seminars at the event.
- Following up with connections right away – there are usually ample opportunities to meet up to chat later in the day, at a workshop or business lunch.
Breakfast or Lunch Meeting
Often set up by business organisations and associations, these short events allow a select, small group of people to network early in the morning over breakfast or lunch. Participants are usually getting an invitation to the meetings.
What are the benefits of attending?
- Connecting with busy business people whose networking opportunities might be limited later in the day.
- Experiencing in-depth conversations – fewer people mean strong group discussions can continue for longer.
- Getting more from networkers – many are more energised and focused at the start of the working day and will feel privileged to be invited to these events.
Round table
As initiated by King Arthur, meetings can be arranged around a round table. These events are often organised by online and print business magazines and association publications.
Meetings involve a select number of top people from across industry or multiple sectors, who are invited to talk about a particular business topic or issue. Attendees sit in a group around a table (hence the name) to discuss the issue together, before having the chance to network at the end. Photos are often taken throughout, with the discussion typed up into a magazine article.
What are the benefits of attending?
- Meeting highly regarded business professionals – many publications will invite people who they know their readers respect and are interested in.
- Providing a way to get a good understanding of an individual, as they discuss their opinions and enforce their business knowledge.
- Promoting you and your business to a big audience – your face and any insightful thoughts you have on current issues could be published in a leading publication.
Casual Networking Meetings
These events can provide a chance to network in a non-business, casual setting. They are often held after-hours and can take place in stylish or trendy venues, such as the VIP area of a cocktail bar or the private room of an art gallery.
What are the benefits of attending?
- Finding common ground to build connections – conversations are often outside of business, so it’s easier to find shared interests and hobbies.
- Getting to know people in a more relaxed environment – networkers can feel more comfortable, so they are happy to open up to talk about themselves quicker.
- Meeting business people who are too busy to network during the day.
Community events
These are local events and can be organised by any establishment, from local trade or charities to nearby colleges and community centres. They can include summer fairs and fundraising events, and often provide local businesses with a chance to get involved, which can provide some good networking opportunities.
What are the benefits of attending?
- Connecting with a range of business people in your local area.
- Giving yourself a good name locally – getting involved in these events can show you want the best for your community can reflect well on your business.
- Making your company more visible to locals can lead to customer and client opportunities closer to home.
Other Business Meetings
- Product demonstrations – companies will organise meetings to demonstrate their product, and you will meet people who have the same interests as you.
- Annual dinners – Guests and members of business associations and organisations are invited to enjoy a sit-down meal together once a year.
- Career fairs – These are often organised by colleges and universities to allow undergraduates to meet their potential future employers.
Because you know exactly what you need, you can opt for one or more types of networking meetings. Of course, you can try each one individually and decide which ones are right for you and which will give you the best results.
Now think about what networking meetings can be found in your area when they are held, and what type of meetings they are. Maybe some meetings are now online? It’s always worth checking the internet for planned events.
